Clare village to offer diverse range of events at family-fun festival this weekend

TO CONCIDE with the KPMG Women's Irish Open which is taking place at Dromoland Castle, the ‘19th Hole Community and Family Fun Festival’ takes place in Newmarket on Fergus this weekend.

The festival, which has been organised by Clare County Council, takes place this Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3.

Packed with loads of activities and entertainment, it promises to captivate families and all members of the community alike.

The festival offers a diverse range of events, from the popular Shaskeen traditional music band and the Papa Zitas Motown band experience on Saturday evening to Clodagh Lawlor and Abba Sensations Tribute Band on Sunday evening. The programme of events ensures there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy, including children’s entertainment at O’Regan Park in Newmarket on Fergus. 

The 19th Hole Community and Family Fun Festival will kick off with the Newmarket on Fergus Brass Band together with some special appearances by local sporting teams on Saturday, September, 2 2023. 

In conjunction with Obair in Newmarket on Fergus, a Mooghaun Children’s Experience will involve interactive displays and a guided tour of this Bronze Age hill fort on Sunday at 3pm - a bus service will take parents and children to and from the location in Mooghaun.

The various musical acts will perform on both days, commencing at 6pm and finishing at 10pm on Saturday and 9pm on Sunday.   

To close out the festival, music lovers are in for a treat with ABBA Sensations, who will perform the band’s greatest hits, including ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Super Trouper’, so get ready to dance and sing along to the beat of their iconic music. Whether you're a traditional music fan, enjoy country music or are looking for some children’s entertainment, this community festival has an unmissable programme of events.

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Cathaoirleach of Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Donna McGettigan, says she's looking forward to the festival. “We encourage everyone to join us for this exciting weekend of free events. The festival is sure to foster a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere and is well worth a family visit, with something for people of all ages to enjoy.”

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, commented: “I am delighted that Clare is hosting the Women’s Irish Open and pleased that the nearby town of Newmarket on Fergus will enjoy this community festival. Events like the Women’s Irish Open are crucial to our local economy and help boost the profile of tourism in Clare, and it is a real opportunity to showcase Newmarket on Fergus and its hinterland and foster a strong sense of community.”

Anne Griffin, Senior Executive Officer, Shannon Municipal District, confirmed that a park and ride service will operate every half-hour from the roadway close to the Women’s Irish Open parking area in Dromoland to Newmarket on Fergus to facilitate all visitors to the Saturday and Sunday events. She also acknowledged the assistance of Newmarket on Fergus Community Forum, Obair, and the wider community, including residents, for their co-operation and support.

Motorists are being advised that a number of road closures will be in place during the festival.